Matt Garza: Reds Reportedly in Discussions for Cubs Righty

The red-hot Cincinnati Reds are apparently attempting to further bolster their squad and are discussing a trade with the Chicago Cubs that would bring right-handed starting pitcher Matt Garza to the Queen City.

This is according to Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal, who offers the following:

The Reds, seeking to fortify the top of their rotation for a potential playoff run, are talking to the Chicago Cubs about a trade for right-hander Matt Garza, according to major league sources.

Contrary to what his 5-7 record would indicate, Garza is a top-of-the-rotation pitcher with a 3.91 ERA this season. However, as Rosenthal points out, he is currently on the shelf with "fluid in his triceps area, and will not pitch again until after the non-waiver deadline at 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday."

This injury certainly complicates the situation, as the Reds will certainly want to give Garza a thorough medical evaluation before completing any kind of deal. This could simply be a non-issue, or it could be an ominous sign of things to come for the 28-year-old righty.

This trade is not likely to go down if the Reds find anything alarming. Rosenthal stated that the Cubs' asking price is commensurate with their optimistic view on the righty's current state.

If Garza can return to 100 percent strength, this would be a great move for the Reds.

They have the second-best record in the National League and a three-game lead in the NL Central. Further, they are also getting better as the season rolls on. They have every right to expect the playoffs, and looking ahead to the postseason, their current rotation may not be suited for the rigors of the playoffs.

The Reds' current rotation of Johnny Cueto, Mat Latos, Homer Bailey, Bronson Arroyo and Mike Leake is a solid rotation for the regular season, but it lacks the top-end dominance needed in the postseason.

Outside of Cueto—and possibly Latos—the Reds do not have a pitcher that would inspire much confidence in playoff baseball. Garza would certainly help with that.

If the Reds do land Garza, it would leave them with a top three of Cueto, Garza and Latos.